Opinion
Misc. Docket No. 20-9044 Misc. Docket No. 20-008
03-19-2020
THIRD EMERGENCY ORDER REGARDING the COVID-19 STATE OF DISASTER
ORDERED that:
1. Governor Abbott has declared a state of disaster in all 254 counties in the State of Texas in response to the imminent threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. This order is issued pursuant to Section 22.0035(b) of the Texas Government Code.
2. With respect to the First Emergency Order Regarding the COVID-19 State of Disaster issued March 13, 2020:
a. Paragraph 2(d) is amended as follows: Conduct proceedings away from the court's usual location with reasonable notice and access to the participants and the public;
b. Only to clarify, Paragraph 2(a) of the Order applies to all proceedings under Subtitle E, Title 5, of the Family Code, and specifically, to the deadlines in Section 263.401, which may or must be modified or suspended, as clearly stated in the Order, to avoid the risks of disaster and still protect the interests of all involved in these difficult circumstances.
3. Courts must not conduct non-essential proceedings in person contrary to local, state, or national directives, whichever is most restrictive, regarding maximum group size.
4. This Order expires May 8, 2020, unless extended by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
5. The Clerk of the Supreme Court is directed to:
a. post a copy of this Order on www.txcourts.gov;
b. file a copy of this Order with the Secretary of State; and
c. send a copy of this Order to the Governor, the Attorney General, and each member of the Legislature.
6. The State Bar of Texas is directed to take all reasonable steps to notify members of the Texas bar of this Order.